A pilot study for a structured, time-limited therapy group for sexually abused pre-adolescent children.

The critical role of specific types of mastery skill development in the treatment of sexually abused children is explored, and defense mechanisms of "invulnerable children," who function adequately despite trauma and stress, are described. The authors describe their development of structured group therapy techniques designed to foster these types of mastery skills with sexually abused children aged 6 to 8. These techniques include development of intellectualization defenses through original coloring books and therapeutic board games, cathartic exploration of feelings through structured art and storytelling exercises, cognitive relabeling and self-esteem building through role-play, "chants and cheers," homework shared with mothers, and other structured group procedures designed to develop specific coping skills.